West Coast are showing their support for star player Elliot Yeo, who is expected to play against Hawthorn despite the recent passing of his father earlier in the week. The team named Yeo for the Sunday clash at Optus Stadium, allowing him ample time to decide if he felt ready to take the field following his father Craig’s death on Monday night. Although the final decision could be made on the morning of the game, the Eagles have listed all three of their emergencies—Andrew Gaff, Harry Edwards, and Jack Hutchinson—to play in the WAFL against Swan Districts earlier in the day. Gaff, who was dropped after their surprising nine-point loss to North Melbourne, is set as a backup for Yeo.
The return of No.1 draftee Harley Reid and Tim Kelly from suspension and injury respectively, means that bringing in veteran wingman Gaff would not significantly disrupt the team’s balance. Additionally, premiership forward Liam Ryan was utilized in the midfield, where he collected a career-high 19 touches and six clearances, demonstrating his speed at the stoppages.
Coach Adam Simpson emphasized Yeo’s autonomy in deciding whether to play, given the tragic circumstances. “We’re really trying to respect the decision he’s going through which is tragic,” Simpson said. He mentioned that Yeo had been at the club for the Captain’s Run and would be given until the last minute to decide. Simpson stressed that the choice was entirely up to Yeo, considering his emotional state and family matters.
Eagles fans are enthusiastic about Reid’s return after his two-game suspension, although there is potential for him to face extra scrutiny if Maginness is included late. Simpson suggested that Reid could counteract tagging by playing more forward. He acknowledged Hawthorn’s strong midfield, noting their impressive stats around stoppages, and emphasized the need for flexibility in getting Reid into the game despite potential tagging. Simpson expressed confidence in Reid’s ability to handle such challenges, highlighting the importance of finding ways to maximize his impact on the field.
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